Hi friends! Happy Friday! Any great plans for the weekend?
If you live in Tampa, this weekend is the official start of a little something called Gasparilla!
In college I went to the Gasparilla Adult parade every year for the crazy party that goes on for miles! Great fun, but not something to bring your kids to… Those shenanigans can be found on Bayshore Blvd on Saturday, January 30th.
If you have kids, bring them to the Gasparilla Kid’s Parade this Saturday! It’s alcohol free (unless you search in some people’s Big Gulp cups) and there aren’t any many rowdy crowds that make you want to squeeze your child tight and run. 🙂 It’s good ol’ fashion family friendly fun!
My first experience of the Kid’s parade was in 2012 when we brought little 5 month old Sophia to enjoy the sights and sounds of her city. We found a shady spot to park the stroller and probably stayed no more than an hour because Sophia passed out in exhaustion.
In 2013 Sophia officially became a Tampa pirate and she got her first Gasparilla beads! It’s some sort of Tampa initiation that every child must go through.
She got to show her baby sister the ropes of Gasparilla in 2014…
like how to look cute and get a massive amount of beads! She’s basically a pro at this point.
Last year was Penelope’s official introduction to the pirate crew!
I can’t wait to dress them up tomorrow as little pirates and invade Bayshore! Arrrrr 🙂 It’s going to be cold and maybe some slight rain showers (hope not) but it’s a must do if you live in Tampa!
The Kid’s Invasion starts at 3:30 pm at Bay to Bay Blvd & Bayshore. Get there early for a good spot along the parade route because parking and parade spots go VERY quickly!
Don’t forget to bring your lawn chairs, blanket, and a stroller/wagon to tote the kids in. A little cooler on wheels stuffed with waters and snacks come in handy too! There are many food vendors along the route, but it’s mostly fair type food (corn dogs, fries, etc). More info can be found HERE
Hope to see you there!! Happy Gasparilla Tampa Bay!
XOXO
Oh my gosh, so cute, brings back memories. When I took my boys it was the early 90’s and we were on Franklin Street downtown. it is amazing how this parade has grown. Still though, it remains something very special for those it serves.
Wow it really has grown!! 🙂
Such cute little pirates! When my son was younger we always had fun at the kid’s parade. Hope you guys have a great time! By the way, popping over from #FridayShareFest
Thanks!! It is so much fun for them!
Our kids are coming into town this weekend with their 10 month old. Do people bring babies to the big parade?
I’ve seen kids at the parade, so I know people do. There are usually certain spots that are less “rowdy” than others.